Personalised Training
From experience of training dogs for different disciplines, I have found a huge advantage in undertaking companion training in a real world environment. How many times have you heard, said or just thought “yeah but he won’t do it once we get home” and it makes sense. As humans we act differently depending on the environment we are in, the people we are with and the social influences around us. Dogs are just the same and many real world scenarios cannot be replicated in the classroom environment. The classroom space has huge advantages depending on the area you are training and spaces are available when required for your tailored development plan.
We will initially complete a review and assessment together, this is all about you and your dog, what your aims are and what our plan together is. There will be homework! Training a dog cannot be done for an hour a week, training a handler is more achievable though. Thankfully it is primarily the latter that we will be attempting.
Your dog probably already knows how to do what you want, he just doesn’t “know what you want” and without sounding like a Mel Gibson movie it can be done with clear techniques and rewards. Training should primarily bridge the communication gap between dog and handler. Then provide you both with the tools and knowledge to achieve your training plan. After… you set new goals and continue to push yourselves! Get in touch to discuss your training needs and how I can help training@thetartanpaw.co.uk
Support
Training is not easy, it takes time and effort and sometimes a bit of support. Maybe you are stuck in a rut and just can’t get past something particular with your dog. Maybe you are interested in trying something new together and need some advice. I can make sure you have accurate information and know all the right places to visit or research to move forward in the direction you want. There are many challenges to face and they are never the same with each dog, sometimes we have to just hold paws and push through together.
Know Your Dog, Know Your Breed
The Tartan Paw Motto
So many times I have heard behaviours being blamed on breed or group type, also implying that there is nothing that can be done! Of course every dog has it’s limits but, by trying to understand your dogs breed, history and personality you will start to understand “why”. Then it’s all about helping your dog to move forward together and strengthen your bond.
Though breed traits help to understand why a dog chooses a certain reaction the cause for the reaction is usually more from character or personal experiences. So yes when approached by another dog the terrier may growl or bark and the collie may circle/herd which are to be expected from the groups/breeds. But it is not the cause or a barrier. The reaction is more likely to be triggered by anxiety/fear or excitement. Part of the support given with your training is to understand your dogs breed and history but also to help understand your dogs cues to get to know them better, find communication easier and recognise when to give your commands and praise.
